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In April this year, these surprise hospital inspections were put forward nationally to replace annual self-assessments.

And now at least 50% of the inspectors are patients or people who use the hospital, with the remaining assessors comprising nurses, matrons or other hospital staff.

Sarah, 27, of Uttoxeter Road, Derby, is studying for a PhD in business and management at Loughborough University. She said: "I think it's essential that patients are involved in assessing the hospital.

"What the hospital does needs to focus on is what the patient needs and wants – if it doesn't, that's when you start to get problems.

"But I like the fact you get people who are involved in the hospital on a daily basis also taking part in the assessments because they can tell you what you need to be looking out for."

Carol, 68, of Weirfield Road, Darley Abbey, who said she wanted to inspect the hospital in the interests of elderly people or those with dementia, said: "I've not spent very much time in hospital myself, more as a visitor to relatives.

"But none of us know when we'll end up in hospital and, if we can make the experience better – both for ourselves and for other people – then the assessment is a job well done."

The inspections took place over one day and saw four teams – each with two experts and two members of the public – visiting and assessing different parts of the hospital.

The idea is for the members of the public to choose which departments, wards or clinics they visit, meaning staff do not know if or when they will be inspected.

And the assessment day itself is also kept under wraps, so employees do not know when it is going to happen.

The inspection aims to look at four different aspects of care at the hospital – cleanliness; the building and facilities; food and hydration and privacy and dignity.

Paul Brooks, head of facilities management for Derby's hospitals, who was also one of the assessors, said: "This was a real opportunity for the patients to use their eyes, ears and experience to look at the service and make changes and improvements if they feel it is needed."